We Say Thanks to Our Volunteers

We’ve been feeling uplifted around the office this week after speaking to our clients and staff about our 380 volunteers – they are so dearly loved and their efforts definitely don’t go unnoticed!

This year for Volunteer Week (9 – 15 May) we’ve decided to say ‘thanks a latte’ with a card and voucher from The Coffee Club. The card is really special; it includes messages we collected from our clients and staff about what a huge difference our volunteers’ efforts make to our residents and clients.

We were overwhelmed by the amount of messages that we got back, far too many to fit on the card, so we want to share them with all of you!

“Our lovely volunteers are an invaluable asset to our facility and functioning without their help would be difficult. They are like rays of sunshine! They all bring smiles to the residents’ faces and willingly assist in any way asked. They come regularly week after week, some several times a week - an unpaid ‘commitment’ paid only with residents’ smiles and grateful thanks from the facility diversional therapists and staff.” Staff at Ozcare Palm Lodge Aged Care Facility

“LOVE ALL DEDICATED PEOPLEMonday Pat does the Word Game, It’s surprising how many words you can name!Henny runs the bowls game, And the competition is not what you would call tame!Teri will be here to cook,And everybody will come to have a look!Robin runs the bingo days,While Peter Jennifer Berry and Joan,Always help out when DT staff are alone!They are the wonderful volunteers I know,And when they are here the Lodge starts to Glow!They are so kind and gentle you know,We would be lost if they ever decided to go!” Ray, resident at Ozcare Palm Lodge Aged Care Facility

“Our volunteers are marvellous. They are so compassionate and understanding, looking to everyone’s needs whether it be a glass of water, a helping hand or listening to a small problem. We are all individuals with individual needs and they are always there ready to assist us.” Carolina, client at Parkwood Gardens Day Respite Centre

“What would we do without our fabulous volunteers? Cheery, bustling, reliable and a real ‘support act’ for the diversional therapists, care workers and drivers here at day respite. We always say…what would we do without them? And mean every word of it! We wouldn’t be able to achieve all that we do without their support and humour. Some of our volunteers have been here longer than some of our staff, so have been part of the growing process with us, moving from location to location and experiencing a few laughs and tears along the way. Thank goodness for our “Vollies”. Thankyou!!”Carol, staff member at Parkwood Gardens Day Respite Centre.

“Volunteers are special, unique and enrich the residents’ lives. The residents look forward to seeing them and interacting with them.”Staff at Ozcare Malanda Aged Care Facility

“They stand in and do things for you without asking anything in return, they are also good to talk to.”Gwen, resident at Ozcare Malanda Aged Care Facility

“Janice has been with us for a year now and we are so thankful to have her. The staff and clients alike love her. She is like a ball of fun, so kind and so helpful. Thankyou so much Janice!”Staff, Parkwood Gardens Day Respite Centre

“We love our volunteers because they are good looking and they play games. They helps us when there is work to be done and they are always there to listen to our day. They are a new face to talk to and pass the time away. Our volunteers are a friend for us and always gives us a kiss or a hug.”Residents, Ozcare Caroline Chisholm Aged Care Facility

“Volunteers do a wonderful job. Always smiling and asking us if they want anything done”.Reg, client at Townsville Day Respite Centre

“Volunteers are helpful and good to talk to. They come up with good ideas for activities.”Doretta, client at Townsville Day Respite Centre

“We’d be buggered without them.”Neil, client at Townsville Day Respite Centre

“Volunteers don’t get paid. Not because they’re worthless but because they’re priceless.”Peter, staff member at Townsville Day Respite Centre

“Volunteers are as nice and caring as the clients we look after. They do not get paid; it’s something you want to do. You’ll put your heart and soul into it.”Shelley, staff member at Townsville Day Respite Centre

“Volunteers offer their time and have a heart of gold to share their time and caring nature.”Emelita, staff member at Townsville Day Respite Centre

“The volunteers here at Ozcare Labrador are a very special group of people. They carry out many tasks for the benefit of our residents and give wonderful support to our very busy diversional therapy department. They come in their free time and their contribution is huge. All of the residents agree that the volunteers are very much appreciated.”George, resident at Ozcare Keith Turnbull Place Aged Care Facility

“It is so wonderful to see the volunteers assisting the residents or just having a laugh together. Volunteers make a world of difference to residents who do not have family who visit.Our volunteers are very special people and deserve all the gratitude and thanks from all of us.”Staff at Ozcare Keith Turnbull Place Aged Care Facility

“Our volunteers should be put up on a pedestal for how much they do for us, we appreciate them very much because they are so fantastic!”Rochelle, staff member at Ozcare Port Douglas Aged Care Facility

“Volunteers are those beautiful souls that give their time and energy to others and who make everyone’s life a little brighter.”Yvonne and Darling, Residents at Ozcare Port Douglas Aged Care Facility

“The love, kindness and support my volunteers show to our residents sometimes overwhelms me. I am so grateful for their continued support and assistance in making our facility a wonderful place for our residents to live. Their effort makes our environment a fun and happy place to be. They are the quiet achievers of this world!”Linda, staff member at Ozcare Port Douglas Aged Care Facility

“Barbara and George are very supportive, kind, caring and helpful. I always enjoy having them out on an activity with me.” Lorraine, client of Mozart program

“They always treat me with respect, I can relax and be myself around them.” Jennifer, client of Mozart program